This super simple casserole is perfect as a side dish or even as a main course. This Mac & Cheese casserole includes beans in addition so it wouldn’t be wrong to say that this gives an additional twist of health to the regular Mac & Cheese. I enjoyed making it and it perfectly fits as a one dish dinner for the whole family.

In this recipe, I have used packed Mac & Cheese since I prefer to make it on busier days and this will make your cooking easier. You can also cook Mac & Cheese using elbow Macaroni from scratch.

For the hash browns as well, you can use store bought hash browns or freshly grate potatoes at home. Store bought hash browns are ready to use as per the instructions. However, if you are making it from scratch, then take two big potatoes, shred them using a boxed grater, wash them and drain them before spreading them on the casserole.

Beans also can be altered to your choice. I used kidney beans in the recipe. I soaked it for around 4 to 5 hours before cooking.

Ingredients:

2 cups hash browns
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp cajun spice (garlic, pepper, salt)
3 cups Mac & Cheese
1 cup kidney beans
1 tbsp butter
1/4 cup onions (chopped)
1/4 cup tomatoes (chopped)
1/2 cup pepper jack cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

1. In a casserole spread, hash browns with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of cajun spice. Let it bake in oven at 450 degree Fahrenheit for 15 mins.

2 In another bowl, pour the ingredients of Mac & Cheese and mix water and let it it cook for 15 mins in microwave for 9 mins. (Check in between to see if there are no spills).

3. In a pressure cooker, cook (overnight soaked) beans for 15 mins or until turned soft. You can also add salt in the beans at this time.

4. In a wok, add butter then add onions. When it turns slightly golden, add tomatoes and cajun spice.

5. When tomatoes turn soft, add beans and let it cook for 5 minutes.

6. Meanwhile over the baked hashbrowns, spread cooked beans and then Mac & Cheese.

7. Spread cheese over the layers and bake it for 5 minutes. I used, shredded pepper jack and parmesan.

8. The layers will be set by this time now serve hot.